Today was our date to see the Princesses. Everyone woke up about 5:30 and was at the bus stop by 7:00. It was a short wait for the bus but the driver had problems strapping in the wheelchair and it took some time. I know Mom felt bad keeping everyone waiting but the people I saw were sympathetic.
Rant alert here. Pity someone that gives a dirty look or mutters something under their breath because they had to wait a few more minutes to get to the park because a wheelchair needed to be loaded. I would call them out. Not just if Mom is involved but anyone. We would give up going to Disney forever if she could get out of that chair and I know everyone in that situation would do the same. Not that it needs to be mentioned here but some people are oblivious to people in a wheelchair or
ECV. Warning: They do not stop on a dime! Countless times people would jump right in front of the chair. On last year’s trip, I did most of the pushing and was pretty agile at avoiding people. At her insistence, SIL drove most of the time on this trip and was not the best at navigating around. A few people got clipped as they hopped in front of the chair and she could not stop in time or otherwise avoid them. Oh well. Rant mode off.
Another side note: Disney is absolutely the best with dealing with people with special needs. A big thank you to whoever decided many years ago that Disney would embrace this philosophy. As just one example, on last year’s Christmas trip DD and I were going to do Divequest at the Living Seas on Christmas Eve. We wanted Mom to see us (OK, DD) so I made a reservation at the Coral Reef restaurant. My concern was that we would be doing the tour and she could not get to the table by herself. I talked to one of the Managers a few days before the reservation about my concerns and he assured me it would not be a problem. They would look after her. And they did. Thanks to them, she got to see DD scuba dive.
So anyway, off the side trip and back to this trip. After the bus ride and listening to the canned music they play of songs of the Magic Kingdom, we arrived at the most magical place on Earth. It was early entry so the gates were open when we got there but it was not really crowded yet. Strolled down Main Street taking some pictures. My favorite time at Disney is during the holidays. It never disappoints.
Maybe the best tree in the world (other than your own tree of course)
Looking down Main Street
Not so hidden Mickey?
I always loved the double decker buses. I remember when they had the coupon books (showing my age) and my parents took myself, my brother, my sister along with her brood to the MK. At the end of the day, I had one ticket left. My final ride at Disney that day was on the bus, mainly to use my last ticket. I had fun but should have kept it as a souvenir.
It was a chilly so the girls went to Tink’s Treasures to stay warm while I got us checked in. Here is the new dress display Pink,
No Blue
I think that CRT is the best character breakfast and not just because of the princesses. My princess phase passed long ago. I love the food. The sausages, cheese potatoes and the pastry/French toast thing with berries, Mmmm good eating. Our server, Sir Dana was very good and even brought my princess a Birthday card for the other princesses to sign. We saw Snow, Bell, Aurora and Mary Poppins. They were attentive and spent time with both DD and mom. We also got a nice picture of the four of us with Cindy downstairs. DD talked me into getting in the picture which never happens.
CRT. Cindy has a nice dinning room
My breakfast
DD and her vegetarian option; yogurt, fruit and granola. Of course she could have omitted the meat on the regular menu but she just loves this.
Here come the girls
Bell asked DD what she liked to read. Right now she is into the Twilight vampire saga.
Aurora
Snow
They were starting the make a wish thing (I know I say thing a lot) and Snow realized that DD did not have her wand and wishing star. Off she ran to get one for her. Thanks Snow.
May you have every wish you need (notice I didn’t say want)
DD and Mary. Both practically perfect in every way (well Mary at least)
Unlike Chef Mickey’s I never feel rushed when I am here. It is an all you can eat breakfast and if you want more of anything just ask for it. I was tempted by the pastry/French toast but passed. The characters take their time at each table and are nicely spaced out. It does not feel like the assembly line of other character meals. Here is Mickey, now Donald, now Goofy. Have just time enough to take a bite of eggs and here comes Minnie. This time was good as ever. After finishing breakfast the girls lingered over their coffee. I decided to leave and stretch my legs.
People waiting to have their picture with Cindy
From Cindy’s we toured the park for a bit. A little shopping but we also did Mickey’s Philharmagic, Monster’s Inc. Laugh Factory and Carousel of Progress. All things that are wheelchair easy. Plus they are all pretty good stuff. I have been a fan of CoP forever. My family saw it at the NY World’s Fair in 1964 (yes I am older than dirt). I don’t remember much of it from then since I was just a wee lad but have enjoyed it ever since. When we exited CoP, we were heading to Country Bear. I noticed Mom wasn’t feeling well so we talked about it and decided to pass on Country Bear and Epcot to go back to the room for a break.
Up Next: Chilling, Epcot and oooh pretty lights
, the location can't be beat. Your balcony is fabulous!
